“Self-love” isn’t simply about indulgent self-care rituals or a relentless stream of positive thinking. It’s about deep self-awareness, embracing your strengths and limitations alike.
At its core, it starts with a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It’s about dedicating time to truly understand your preferences, aversions, values, and beliefs. Tools like reflective introspection, personality assessments, and diary entries can illuminate the path to your true self.
It also means facing parts of yourself that you might not be proud of. But embracing these aspects is a pivotal step, as you acknowledge your current position on this path.
To that end, here are six essential practices to help you along your self-love journey.
1. Practise mindfulness
Mindfulness is about immersing yourself in the present; acknowledging and welcoming your emotions, thoughts and physical sensations without judgement. This sharpens your awareness of your inner world, paving the way for deeper understanding and acceptance.
Simple acts like mindful breathing, walking or eating can seamlessly blend into your daily routine, laying a solid foundation for a more mindful self-love approach.
2. Use affirmations
Affirmations are potent: these positive statements are instrumental in challenging and uprooting self-defeating and negative thoughts.
By repeating them often and embracing their truth, you can initiate transformative changes in your life. Consider these 10 affirmations:
- “I am worthy of love and respect just as I am.”
- “I embrace my strengths and accept my weaknesses with compassion.”
- “I honour my own life path and respect my own pace.”
- “I am capable of achieving my dreams and goals.”
- “I choose to treat myself with kindness and patience.”
- “I am deserving of happiness, love, and fulfilment.”
- “I lovingly forgive and release any past mistakes.”
- “I am confident in my ability to overcome challenges.”
- “I trust in my journey and celebrate my progress.”
- “I radiate love, and love returns to me in abundance.”
3. Build healthy boundaries
Boundaries help you define your comfort zones and how you expect to be treated by others. They’re essential for preserving your wellbeing and ensuring your relationships are respectful and nurturing.
Learning to say no, understanding your limits, and effectively communicating your needs to others are all part of setting boundaries.
4. Nurture your body and mind
Self-love also means taking care of your physical and mental health. This encompasses activities that nourish both body and mind, such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest.
Additionally, practices like yoga and meditation can deepen your connection with your body and clear your mind. The way you treat your body profoundly affects your mental and emotional health.
5. Use the power of gratitude
Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing in your life to the abundance that’s already there.
Keeping a gratitude journal, where you regularly jot down things you’re thankful for, is a simple yet impactful practice that helps you cultivate a deeper appreciation for yourself and your life.
6. Foster a supportive community
Being around positive, supportive people offers a sense of belonging and empathy. Such communities can be found or formed in local groups, online platforms, or through workshops and events.
Sharing experiences, hurdles, and triumphs with others can enrich your understanding and practice of self-love.
Read more articles by Dennis Relojo-Howell here.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg and host of ‘The DRH Show’. Connect with him on X (Twitter) at @dennisr_howell.